WRITE YOUR PRAYER REQUESTS HERE(Put Your WhatsApp Number))

Name

Email *

Message *

Showing posts with label Spirituality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spirituality. Show all posts
Charles Nobles once said, “first we make our habits, then our habits make us.” We are what we repeatedly do. And if we ever want excellence in our lives, we need to remember that it “is not an act, but a habit.” Some habits are good, others very bad and still some are of no value or eternal significance. However, to effectively impact the people around us and leave a lasting impression, we must develop good habits and do everything in our power to unlearn bad ones.
I would like to leave you with 7 Habits of highly effective Christians. By their constant practice of 7 biblical principles they do not only excel in their knowledge of God, devotion to the Lord, ministry and calling, they also effectively inspire and challenge others to personal development and growth.
7 habits of highly effective christians, the_wide_t
They give cheerfully
Their primary motivation is not what they will get out of their giving. They are more interested in being a blessing than receiving a blessing. They are kingdom driven and what ever promotes the work of the kingdom they are ready to step up.
They serve humbly
They have come to realize that God has called them to serve their generation. They are aware of the fact that every gift and talent given by the Father was given to serve others. They have come to realize that any “definition of a successful life must include serving others.” George Bush
They Pray selflessly
The only people who make a real difference in the world are those who selflessly pray for others. They almost never need to even pray for themselves because with the measure they selflessly give, they always get back in return. When they tell you “I’m praying for you” or “I will be praying for you.” they really mean it.
They Pursue God Relentlessly
A young man came to a very wise man and said, “I want to know God, teach me how.” The wise man said, “follow me and you will learn.” One day while they walked along the road, they came to a little creek and the wise man said to the young, “well, here is your first lesson – baptism.” The young man was excited and so presented himself to be baptized. Well, the wise man submerged the young man under the water but didn’t bring him up quickly, but kept him there for a while until he began to pant for air. After kicking and screaming for a while, the wise man brought him out of the water. But the young man was furious and asked if the wise man wanted to kill him. To that the wise man said, “if you want to know God you need to desperately seek him just like you were desperately seeking air when you were held under water.” Highly effective christians are desperate for God.
They live purposefully
Most highly effective christians have a plan for where they want to go. They do not, as in Paul’s words, “run like one who runs aimlessly.” They don’t, as in Celestine Chua’s words, “leave things to chance and outside world.” With the Lord’s help they take steps of faith. Though they can’t see the staircase, they take purposeful steps of faith.
They handle difficulties wisely
When life is painful and difficulties set in, they are not frantic. They are skillful at crisis management. They seek the Lord in prayer, they seek wisdom from his word, they confide in trusted friends and mentors and remain hopeful that God is able to keep what they’ve committed to him for that day. That kind of attitude is contagious.
They invest strategically
They use their time wisely. They don’t waste it on frivolous things. They use their money wisely, investing it instead of throwing it away on expensive toys. They value relationships, family, and friends. They also make themselves available to coach or mentor others, passing on valuable life’s lessons to the next generation.
I don’t know about you, but that’s the kind of Christian I strive to become.  How about you?
    1. In order to grow we need to eat—The Bible
The Word of God is crucial to growing spiritually - 1Pe 2:2. In Psalm19:7-11David described the value of God's Word.He also illustrated the blessedness and fortitude of one who             meditated daily on the Word of GodPs 1:1-3. The Christian who wants to grow spiritually must therefore develop the habit of daily Bible reading...   a. Such as reading through the Bible each year (about 3 chapters a day)By feeding upon God's Word daily, we receive the spiritual  nourishment necessary to grow
    2. In order to grow we need to breathe—Prayer
The practice of prayer is also required for spiritual growth a. Through prayer we find mercy and grace to help - He 4:16 b. Through prayer we find peace to guard our hearts - Php 4:6-7
The Christian must therefore continue steadfastly in prayer.Perhaps emulating the example of David - cf. Ps 55:17 And the custom of Daniel, who prayed three times daily            Dan 6:10
    3. In order to grow we need good spiritual hygiene—Living above sin
There is a depth in God you can never get to ,if you are living in unconfessed sin.(2 Corinthians 7:1) If you are not a friend of God,you cannot go far with him.Meanwhile you cannot be his friend if you are wallowing in sin.(Psalm 32)
Once we have taken that step of salvation, we are declared righteous (Romans 5:1). But what does it look like to be actually righteous—to live a holy life?
Basically Paul emphasizes sexual purity as part of holy living.Beyond avoiding sexual immorality and keeping sex within God’s design for marriage, we can live a holy life by being obedient to God in all areas of life (1 Peter 1:14–16). Knowing and obeying God’s Word is key (John 17:17). Hiding God’s Word in our hearts keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
    4. In order to grow we need a caring family—Fellowship
 Assembling together with other Christians is very important ( Heb 10:24-25) It is a means of stimulating one another to love and good works.We exhort one another in our service to Christ.Therefore Christians should make a strong habit of attending church: Attending as often as possible, for worship, Bible study,etc. b. The more we attend, the stronger the habit becomes; the less we attend, the weaker the habit becomes  -- Christians who make it a habit to skip the assemblies struggle in their efforts to grow spiritually; no Christian has become          stronger by neglecting the assembly!
5. In order to grow we need regular exercise—Service
Serving God  is one of the easiest way to grow fast.You need to personally hunt for opportunities to serve God in  your local assembly...even if you are not hired.Matt20:6-7
6. In order to grow we need protection—Temptation
7. In order to grow we need to give—Stewardship
James 4:13-14; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; James 1:5; 1 Timothy 6:8; 1 Timothy 6:11; Philippians 4:11-13


Every genuine Christian hates backsliding. The mere mentioning of the word should fill a good believer with holy anger and grave watchfulness. 1.      Result of Backsliding
        (a)     Captivity and demonic oppression. Judges 4:1-3, 6: 1-6
When there is backsliding, God stops defending the backsliding and he becomes an easy prey for the enemy. The man who has been binding the devil before automatically enters into bondage.
(b)     Loss of divine provision:  Luke 15: 13 – 16. When the prodigal son moved far from the father, he entered into a season of “want”  Provision is only sure when God is your shepherd.
(c)          Unanswered Prayers:  I Sam. 28:6, Ps. 66:18, Prov 1:24, 28. When you begin to forsake the Lord, heaven is not obliged to hearken to your voice.
(d)         Selfishness: Prov 14:14. A backslider will no longer be concerned with the things of God or fellow brethren. He regards his life first and all other things are secondary.
(e)          Unfitness for the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:52, Rev. 3:16, Ex. 32: 33 Heb. 10:26-29. No backslider has right to eternal life; he has forfeited his heavenly inheritance and is lost forever. The door of mercy is closed and the kindness of the Almighty is kept at bay.
(f)           Loss of Spiritual Power
(g)          Loss of inner peace
(h)         Loss of joy of salvation. Psalm 51:8, 12

II CURE FOR BACKSLIDING
The cross of Calvary is not only for salvation, it is also for restoration. The Like’s account of the prodigal son reveals the basic steps a backslider must take in order to get back home.
1.     Realization (Luke 15: 17). The backsliding must recognize his spiritual state. Without realization there is no recovery.
2.      Resolution: (Luke 15: 18). There is  the need to make a concrete decision to go back.
3.      Repentance: The backsliding must confess to God and be sorrowful for his sins (v. 18) Hosea 14: 1-2
4.      Renunciation: With the words of mouth, sins must be disowned. Luke 15: 18 – 21
5.      Reception: Christ must be received again like a small baby. John 1:12

Text:I Cor.  10:12, Jude 11:16
Generally speaking, backsliding means turning away from the Lord. It refers to growing cold, losing interest in the Lord, the Bible, church attendance, prayer, witnessing and turning to the world and the old way of life.  (I King  11: 9, Rev.  2:4)
There are many things that ultimately result into backsliding, as you know, “curse causeless shall not come”
1.      Love of the world. II Tim.  4:10, Ex. 32: 4- 6, I John 2: 15 – 17, I Sam 8:5.
Wanting to be like other “nations” in dressing, celebrations, conversations, and in marriage will take the Christian straight into the midst of the world. When Demas loved the world, he departed from God.
2.      Love of Money.  John 13:29,  I Tim 6: 9-10.  Some people are too desperate  to get money. Reckless pursuit of money is sure to take any Christian away from grace. We all need money, but the love of God should be supreme in our heart.
3.      Prayerlessness.  Heb 4:14 –16, 2 Cor. 10:3-5. The devil seeks to bring the believer down he can however be solidly resisted through prayers.
4.      Evil Association. I Kings 11: 4, John 18: 17, 25. I Cor. 15: 33, Prov. 13:20. Sin is contagious. If you associate with the wicked, you may soon learn their wicked acts. Evil companionship pollutes good men.
5.      Fear of Man. Matt 26:70 – 74. Fear of persecution, attack, and parental rejection has made many to look back into the world.
6.      Desire to be Independent. Luke 15: 12 -1 3. When a Christian begins to think that no one can really direct his life, when he begins to think he is mature enough to be independent without spiritual supervision, he is in for a fall.
7.      Other causes
(a)      Failure to read the Bible for spiritual instruction. John 5:39, 2 Tim 2:15.
(b)     Lack of spiritual growth. Once there is no growth, there will be death. There must be concrete attempt at spiritual growth.
(c)      Failure to maintain quiet time. Quite time is necessary to receive daily strength and guidance.  Without it becomes easily to enter into the devil’s trap.
(d)     Forsaking church attendance (Heb 10:25). There is a power obtainable from corporate worship, without it the Christian life become dull.
(e)      Not having spiritual partners – when you walk alone you
suffer alone. You need spiritual partners of the same sex to pray and share together. Ecc. 4:9-12
(f)      Disobedience to the spirit of God.
Please take note that when causes are taken care of curse will not come.

Text: 1 Corinthians 10:13,Hebrews 2:18
Everyone is tempted. But there are some factors that make some people more prone to temptations than others;
1. Idleness: A vacant mind invites dangerous inmates, as a deserted house tempts wandering outcasts to enter and take up their abode in its desolate apartments. Although temptations come to all at
different times, idle people have more temptations than industrious people. It is said that ‘some temptations come to the industrious but all temptations attack the idle’. Another saying goes thus: ‘He that labours is tempted by one devil; he that is idle, by a thousand’.
2. Exaggerated desire for some personal needs (James1:14, ,Genesis 30:1)
Some inordinate affection may be used of the devil to bring some temptation. Uncontrolled desire to have children by all means or the search for healing, no matter where, can become a source of irresistible temptation.
3. Careless and mindless pursuit of riches1 Timothy 6:9,10
 The scriptures says  “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare”  The love of money and the mad rush to acquire property are poisonous baits of temptation that destroy many.
4. Impatience to have a life partner Judges 14:3
If you have waited thus far for the best in Marriage, you should wait until your testimonies arrive. You can be tempted to accept whosoever comes: born again or not if impatience sets in
5. Unchecked tendency to please men and be like the world 1Samuel 8:5
We are not to walk as gentiles. If you want to please them and do things like them you will be tempted to compromise your Christian standard
6. Pressure and unreasonable influence of intimate relatives and friends Job 2:9.The wife of Job tempted him to curse God!You must not give in to pressures from spouse,parents,friends or relatives.They may advice you to go to herbalists(note that some herbalist carry Bible nowadays!) for help;don’t listen to them
7. Discouragement Jeremiah 20:7-9
8. Lust of the flesh: (Numbers 11:4-6) Make no mistake about it, the conflict with your flesh is one of the most hostile wars you will fight as a Believer. As long as you live in the earth realm, you will have to battle with your body daily. Left unchecked, your flesh will run buck wild! Examples are the desire to watch pornography, commit adultery, become lazy, overeat, appetite for alcohol, cigarettes etc

Coming to church is not the ultimate in our Christian walk.The real issue is are you stable in Christ?
The beginning of a solid testimony in Christ is the new birth experience.
In Gods eyes  if you are saved, you are not relevant.
Remember the ark of Noah; for 120yrs the ark was open to anyone willing to enter.But when divine patience expired, he closed the ark.
Don’t let the ark close against you. Enter and stay inside.
Inside the ark is the only place where you have value. You
can see how He destroyed the people outside the ark without mercy.
When the salvation issue is settled others becomes easy.Here are two pillars of solid spiritual testimony.
1.Desire Spiritual Growth
As a child, if after 3years you are still crawling, your parents will be extremely worried. The neighbors see the child as abnormal, a stigma, a pitiable entity. A child that cannot be celebrated.
In similar fashion, some are in church who have become source of concern to their pastors and to the Lord! You must grow up.
How Do You Grow?
a. Strive to know more: Ask questions, read books, buy tapes, study the scriptures more and attend teaching meetings. He that increaseth knowledge increaseth strength.
b. Serve more: Service is a form of spiritual exercise and an avenue for growth and exposure.
Even if you are a worker and its like you are being under-utilized, go to leaders like Isaiah and say “Here am I, send me”.
c. Examine yourself regularly and improve steadily
2. Avoid Wrong Friends:
When you befriend liars, you will start exaggerating. Your old friends may not necessarily be the best of friends. Twenty kids cannot play, for twenty years. Law of Progress and Law of status will separate them.
Luke5:1-6
There are two sets of people in that story
i.Those eager to hear the Word
ii.Those washing their nets in regret and frustration
What was it that made Peter t have testimony:Change Of Association.
In life, there are many net washers and quitters. Leave them. Dissociate yourself from them.
Prov.13:20
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
In your journey and walk in life even in church :you will meet people who are going nowhere, life destroyers and vision killers who are looking for roommates. Run from them.
Genesis 22:5
He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
They journeyed together to a junction, then they separated into destiny and testimonies.
That you started together does not mean you will end together. You must be bold to tell some people …stop following me.
If Abraham had gone ahead with those young men, they will think he needed psychiatric treatment.
Stop them or they will stop you and your consecration and even your destiny.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

FOR IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD

SPECIAL ATTENTION

SPECIAL ATTENTION
Honourary Doctorate For Xtian Leaders

Popular Posts

About Me

My photo
Bishop(Dr) Sola Adetunji is the founding President of Chapel Of His Power and Divine Power Bible College. He was born in Ibadan, Nigeria and attended primary and secondary school in Osogbo before studying Pharmacy at the University of Ile-Ife, graduating with a Second Class Upper degree in 1987. Adetunji is an amazon author of several works and is happily married to Toyin, an ordained Minister of God, with whom he has three daughters and one son: Progress, Praise, Perfect and Paul. He has contributed numerous sermons to Sermon Central and other websites including youtube on topics such as understanding success, overcoming anger, deliverance, the authority of believers, and others. He is the convener of Singles Ready To Marry group on Facebook and Whatsapp.
Powered by Blogger.

About Visitors

Site Visitors

Flag Counter